5 North Fork poultry farms to consider this holiday season

When it comes to turkey, fresh, frozen and kosher are the three mainstream choices consumers face today. That said, certified organic, free-range and heritage breed (sustainably raised old-fashioned breeds that were once common on American farms) are increasingly available. You’ll pay top dollar for them, but typically they will reward you with great flavor.

And don’t feel beholden to the American standard-bearer of birds. Long Island offers a wealth of diversity and the North Fork’s sprawling farms offer everything from duck to guinea hen. Here are five poultry farms you should consider for your holiday feasts.

The farm accepts special orders only and requires a $100 minimum for farm pickup, which takes place on Saturday mornings. Turkeys, at $8.99 per pound, require a $50 deposit. “Reserve early,” says farmer Abra Morawiec, “as they are going quickly.”

Known for their turkeys, which the farm has been raising since 1946, Miloski’s is also a go-to destination for chicken and duck. With 30 acres dedicated to roaming fowl, the farm produces about 4,000 turkeys each holiday season, all of which are antibiotic- and hormone-free.

Chickens are $3.45/lb., ducks are $4.50/lb. and turkeys are $4.95/lb. You’ll want to special order your turkey by phone to avoid missing out on what some bill as “the tastiest on Long Island.”

Nominal amounts of chicken are for sale at the farm stand from May through October, but Deep Roots accepts special orders for holidays and events. For pricing and availability, contact Tom Hart via email.